A determined man from Kinross is flying to America to finish a coast-to-coast fundraising cycle after almost dying the first time he attempted it.
Last October, Alan Corsie was on the final stretch of a trip across the USA when he was hit by a car, leaving him in intensive care.
Despite being left with two broken legs and a punctured lung, the 55-year-old vowed to return to complete the final 350 miles of the six-week, 3000-mile adventure.
After three operations and a stint in a wheelchair, Alan began training in May and will fly to Florida on Thursday to cycle the final section.
He said: “The accident was a complete nightmare, but I’ve been determined to get back up to fitness to finish what I started.
“Training has been difficult over the past few weeks as my left knee, which has permanent cruciate ligament damage following the accident, swells up and gets sore if I push things too hard when training, so I’m banking on Florida being flat and being able to take my time and go slowly.”
Alan will be joined by TransAmerica Cycle organisers and two other cyclists he met during last year’s challenge, who are driving more than 1000 miles from Ohio to take part.
He added: “It will be great to see some of the people I cycled with last year.
“The friendships I’ve made as a result of my cycle and accident last year have been incredibly strong and heartfelt.”
Alan’s efforts have raised more than £4000 for Alzheimer Scotland, a cause close to his heart as his mother, grandmother and uncle have all been diagnosed with dementia.
Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “I have been so inspired by Alan’s sheer grit and determination to come back from his injuries to get back in the saddle to complete his USA cycle.
“We wish him the very best of luck in his endeavours to cross the finish line and thank him hugely for fundraising on behalf Alzheimer Scotland to help us make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”
Alan has set a £6000 fundraising target. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-corsie.
